Thursday, October 6, 2016

Achalpuram Shivalokathyagar Temple, Nagapattinam - Legends

Achalpuram Shivalokathyagar Temple, Nagapattinam -
Legends

Tirugnana Sambandar merging with Shiva Jyoti with all
the devotees gathered for his wedding:

The
history of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar is the very history of Saivism philosophy
stressing the ultimate truth that reaching the Lotus feet of Shiva should be
purpose of a meaningful human life. Father Shivapada Hrudayar asked the
Saint Son to marry which though he refused first but gave in reluctantly
thinking it to be the will of Lord. Shivapada Hrudayar chose Poompavai,
daughter of Sivanesan Chettiar as his bride. But she died of a snake
bite. Tirugnanasambandar restored her to life with the grace of Lord and
simply accepted her as his daughter only. Shivapada Hrudayar then chose
Mangai Nallal daughter of Nambiandar Nambi of Nallur. The wedding took
place at Achalpuram. Tiruneelanakka Nayanar conducted the rituals.

Circumambulating
the wedding fire pit with his bride, Gnanasambandar prayed to Lord Shiva to
protect him from the problems of a marital life and praised him with Kallur
Perumanam hymn. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyothi and advised the saint
to join him along with all gathered there. Losing himself completely to the
Lord, Sambandar sang his last Pathigam (10 verses) highlighting the glory of
Panchakshara Mantra – Na Ma Shi Va ya. All merged with the Lord
collectively the same time. This event is celebrated each year in the temple on
the Moola Star day in the month of Vaikasi – May-June.

Reputation of Sirkazhi:

Sirkali
occupies a place of pride in the religious map of Tamilnadu as the birth place
of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar who ably restored the Vedic glory and supremacy of
Saivism against the massive assault of other faiths. It also has the
added reputation of the Saint merging with Shiva Jyoti with all the devotees
gathered there for his wedding at Achalpuram. Noted poet Sekkizhar shows
the Saint in his celebrated epic Periyapuranam as one small in physical stature
but a mount in wisdom.

Mother Parvathi offering Viboothi to the guests during
Sambandar Marriage:

As
Achal-Mother, personally attended the wedding of the saint and offered the
Vibhuti Prasad to the guests, She is praised as Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai. The
place came to be known as Achalpuram.

People worshipped Shiva here:

Great
sages as Vasishta, Parasara, Jamadagni, and Brugu had the Kailash darshan
here. Lord Brahmma secured the creation boon from the Lord here, while
Vishnu was granted the power of destroying the wicked and demons. Indira
had all the luxuries from Lord Shiva at this place. Holy Ganga Devi
performed penance at the entrance of the place. Moon was relieved of his
curse. Those worshipping in this temple will become free of all adverse
effects falling on them. Everyone worshipping Lord who embraced Saint Sambandar
through the Shiva Jyoti is sure to awarded total salvation.

Sage
Kaka was reluctant to tread on this land with his legs and used his head and
performed penance sitting in the Nirudhi corner – southwest. Tiruneelakanta
Yazhpanar, Muruga Nayanar, Tiruneelanakka Nayanar worshipped Lord in this
temple. Sacred Ash-Vibhuti is the Prasad offered in the temple. Applying
this on the body cures the devotee of all illness, frees him/her from sins and
poverty and ensures the Mangalya longevity of women, according to belief.